As a mom of two, I make these fluffy Chinese-style buns weekly.
They’re easier to digest than regular bread and pair perfectly with coffee or scrambled eggs.
My secret? A simplified single-rise method that saves 40 minutes!
Smart Batch Baking (Makes 8 buns)
▢ ¾ cup warm whole milk (110°F – test with pinky finger)
▢ 1 packet active dry yeast (2¼ tsp)
▢ 2½ cups all-purpose flour (like King Arthur) + extra for dusting
▢ ⅓ cup seedless raisins (or craisins for tang)
Step-by-Step Visual Guide
❶ Yeast Starter
Mix warm milk and yeast in measuring cup.
Wait 5 minutes until foamy – this “wakes up” the yeast for better rising.
❷ Dough Mastery
• Gradually mix flour into yeast mixture with fork
• Knead 8 mins on floured surface until smooth (should pass the “poke test” – springs back slowly)
• Pro Tip: If sticky, add 1 tbsp flour; if dry, sprinkle milk
❸ Fruit Fold-In
• Soak raisins in warm water 5 mins → pat dry
• Roll dough into 12″x8″ rectangle
• Sprinkle raisins → fold like business letter (3 layers)
❹ Shaping Hacks
• Roll tightly into log (squeeze out air pockets)
• Cut into 8 pieces with serrated knife
• Place cut-side up on parchment-lined tray
❺ Smart Proofing
• Fill skillet with 1″ water → heat until steamy (not boiling) → turn off
• Place tray over skillet → cover with damp towel
• Rise 45 mins until doubled (check: gently press – indentation slowly disappears)
❻ Steam Perfectly
• Use bamboo/steel steamer over boiling water
• Steam 20 mins on medium → turn off heat → wait 3 mins before opening
Baker’s Pro Tips
1.Liquid Swap: Use ⅔ cup water + 2 tbsp powdered milk
2.Time Saver: Make dough night before → refrigerate → morning proofing takes 20 mins
3.American Twist: Try dried blueberries + lemon zest, or chopped pecans + cinnamon
4.Freezer Hack: Flash-freeze cooled buns → store in ziplock (1 month). Reheat:
Microwave: Wrap in damp paper towel → 30 sec
Toaster oven: 350°F 5 mins
Why You’ll Love These
✅ 5g protein & 3g fiber per bun (healthier than muffins!)
✅ No mixer needed – great for small kitchens
✅ Perfect for:
• Breakfast with peanut butter
• Soup sidekick (instead of rolls)
• Lunchbox sweet treat (skip the candy!)
